THE International Baccalaureate is an excellent alternative to A levels, attractive to students who enjoy studying a range of subjects. Ofqual have released a report whose findings suggest the programme successfully prepares students for the demands of higher education.

Adrian Kearney, regional director, Europe, Middle East and Africa, International Baccalaureate, says: “Ofqual’s findings demonstrate that the IB diploma programme provides students with a breadth of experience and knowledge in languages, mathematics, the experimental sciences, humanities and social sciences, which prepares them well for university and the world of work.

“The report also acknowledges the programme’s emphasis on independent study through its core – the extended essay and theory of knowledge – which provides students with a capacity for inquiry, research, critical thinking and problem-solving and makes them attractive to admissions tutors and graduate employers alike.”

Caroline Keech, assistant IB co-ordinator at Truro College said: “The 2012 Ofqual report is a wonderful affirmation of the IB programme and is further evidence of its strengths and as an attractive alternative to A level.

“The IB learner profile states that IB students should be inquirers, risk-takers and thinkers, who are caring and reflective as well as being good communicators, therefore the programme is structured to achieve this. The subject teaching, writing a university-style extended essay, doing a community action and service programme and studying a theory of knowledge course all work towards helping students reach their full potential.

“While our results on IB in 2012 were amazing, with students achieving an average score of 36 points which is equivalent to A* A* AA at A level and 25 per cent of our cohort are in the top 3.5 per cent of IB students worldwide, this is only part of the picture.

“The holistic nature of the programme means that it focuses not just on results gained but also on building the transferable skills that will enable them to excel at university and present themselves as superb candidates to employers.”

It is my hope that the present day search for global education, equitable and providing equality of opportunity for all, shall not cease until the “gold” we seek, has been found.

I therefore dedicate this book to all the educators, researchers, parents and students the world over, who strive to achieve this elusive goal,high-quality education for all the citizens of the world.

In this endeavour, it is my belief that the International Baccalaureate merits a closer look, based on their more than 40 year history of delivering consistently excellent results.

I add that all of the reflections and views in this book are mine alone, unless otherwise noted, and can not be attributed to my employer or any other organization I am affiliated with, past or present. For any errors or oversights, I bear the complete responsibility.

Thomas Baker is the Past-President of TESOL Chile (2010-2011). He is the Head of the English Department at Colegio Internacional SEK in Santiago, Chile.

He is the Co-Founder and Co-Organiser of EdCamp Santiago, free, participant-driven, democratic, conversation based professional development for teachers, by teachers. EdCamp Santiago 2012 was held at Universidad Mayor in Santiago.

Thomas is also a member of the Advisory Board for the International Higher Education Teaching and Learning Association (HETL), where he also serves as a reviewer and as the HETL Ambassador for Chile.

Thomas enjoys writing about a wide variety of topics. Thus far, he has written the following genres: romance, historical fiction, autobiographical, sports history/biography, and English Language Teaching. He has published a total of forty six (46) books overall.

The source and inspiration for his writing comes from his family, his wife Gabriela, and his son, Thomas Jerome Baker, Jr.

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about.me

Author Thomas Jerome Baker

Thomas Jerome Baker is the Past President of TESOL Chile (2010-2011). He is the Past Coordinator (2011-2014) of the English Department at Colegio Internacional SEK in Santiago, Chile.He is the Co-Founder and Co-Organiser of EdCamp Santiago 2012 & Edcamp Chile 2013.Amazon Author Page